Clever Ways to Save on Home Heating & Cooling
Home heating and cooling account for a big chunk of your energy costs. If you are looking for a way to save money on your energy bill, the best way to do that is by reducing the amount of heating and cooling energy you use. There are simple tricks to reducing your energy consumption that will help you save money. Try these simple tricks to save money on your energy bill.
Weatherize Your Windows and Doors
About 30% of your home’s heating and cooling is lost through windows and doors, according to the Department of Energy. If you can afford replacement windows, you can easily improve your home’s energy efficiency. Of course, you are here to learn how to save money, not invest more of it.
There are a few simple tricks that anyone can do to make their windows more energy efficient and save money. First, seal any gaps around the window and the window frame with caulking. Next, use plastic shrink wrap (you can buy it at any home improvement store) to cover the interior of the window. The process is simple. All you need is shrink wrap and a blow dryer.
If you have an old door, these two simple tricks can make the door more energy efficient. Run your hand around the frame of the door, if you feel a draft, take a bead of caulk, and apply it to where the frame and the wall meet. Roll up a towel and use it to block the draft from under the door.
Lower Your Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save money on heating and cooling costs is to adjust your thermostat. Raise it by two degrees in the summer, and lower it by two degrees in the winter. For example, if you normally keep your thermostat set to 72 degrees in the summer months, raise it to 74 degrees. If you normally have your heat set to 70 degrees in the winter, lower that to 68 degrees. You will barely notice the difference and according to the Department of Energy, you can save about 10% each year on your energy costs.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can support both your cooling and your heating needs. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the blades for both summer and winter use. In the summer, the ceiling fan can help you to stay comfortable in your home by providing a breeze. You can raise the temperature on your thermostat without having to sacrifice any comfort when you use a ceiling fan.
In the winter, when you use the reverse switch on a ceiling fan, it can drive down the hot air, making the room feel warmer. Hot air rises, and pushing all that wasted warm air into the room can help to make the room more comfortable, which means you can lower the temperature on your thermostat and save money on your heating bill.
Supplement Your Energy With Solar
If you want to save money on energy costs, you can choose to do what many people are doing, and supplement your “on the grid” energy with solar energy. According to the NSO, solar panels can provide you with power around the clock seven days a week. There are government programs available that may be available in your area that you can take advantage of that will help you save money on solar power installations.
Invest In Good Drapes
It is estimated that investing in good thermal drapes can save you about 4% in your energy costs. You can save money by simply making the right window treatment choice. Thermal drapes can keep you warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. Any window treatment that allows you to control the amount of natural light coming into a room can be an easy way to save money.
Don’t overpay for heating and cooling. Follow these simple hacks for improving energy efficiency in your home and start saving money every month.